Gabriella Yulieta
Dual training in Germany
Hotel specialist
1. Why did you choose this training?
Because I want to learn and be active on site without having to worry about living costs. In addition to the opportunity to become more knowledgeable, trainees also receive a training salary.
2. How did you prepare? And how was the application process?
I attended a German course at Goethe-Institut Indonesien for about a year and successfully completed Level B2. I also took the A1, A2 and B1 certificate tests because the requirements of each company are different. Some require A2, others B2, depending on the vocational training. Parallel to the language course, I also took part in a program organized by an agency that searched for training positions for me. In fact, you can also find training positions on the official websites of the training centers. I finally secured a training position after sending all the necessary documents to the company in Germany. After the interview process (not all require an interview) I was accepted and received the training contract by email. I then made an appointment to apply for a visa at the German Embassy in Jakarta and attached the training contract. With the visa in hand, I departed to Germany.
3. What personal and professional requirements do you think are important for this occupation?
The ability to speak German is essential for getting along in everyday life in many ways. We have to be able to use good and correct language. As a hotel professional, I needed to be able to interact with guests because I was assigned to the front office during the last year of training. Physical fitness is also important. In addition, we need to be organized when it comes to allocating time between school and work and learning.
4. What are your tasks in the hotel?
As a hotel professional I need to know a lot about hospitality. In the household department I am responsible for the cleanliness of the hotel rooms and the hotel; guest satisfaction is number one. Another task is to learn how to serve guests in a restaurant and how to prepare delicious food for them.
5. What tasks do you enjoy most and why?
I enjoy serving guests in the restaurant and am pleased when they are satisfied with my service. Meeting and communicating with guests are other areas I quite enjoy. It’s exciting and gives me pleasure to learn new things.
6. What do you learn in the vocational school? How often do you go there?
In the first year of training I went to school twice a week. Soon I will enter my second year and go once a week. I learn English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, working in service, working in the kitchen, working in the magazine and communication.
7. What tips do you have for Indonesians interested in this training?
Get information in advance about where you are going to train and get an overview—that’s crucial. Don’t forget to learn German well. The most important thing is that you can communicate and are informed about life and culture in Germany.
8. And after the training? What professional goals do you have?
I have two plans: gain a degree in management and work at the same time in my occupation.
